Railway maintenance systems, tools, and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A cold saw module may be a rail saw module that includes a cold saw configured to cut a railway rail along a cutting path, a rail alignment clamp configured to grip the railway rail near the cutting path, a feed actuator to drive the cold saw along the cutting path, and a module coupling element configured to selectively couple to a mating module coupling element of an articulated arm and/or a tool adapter. Cold saw modules may be used to cut metal workpieces such as a railway rail. Cutting a railway rail may include positioning the cold saw module at a cutting site along the railway rail installed in a railway, clamping the cold saw module to the railway rail, and cutting the railway rail at the cutting site with the cold saw module while the cold saw module is clamped to the cutting site.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/030,163, entitled “RAILWAY MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS, TOOLS, ANDMETHODS OF USE THEREOF,” which was filed on Jul. 29, 2014, the completedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to railway maintenance systems, tools,and methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Railway maintenance is very important to successful and continuedoperation of a railway (also called a railroad). Railway tracks compriseat least two parallel rails, typically coupled to a series of sleepers(also called ties) and stabilized on a bed of ballast. With use andexposure to the elements, railway tracks may wear and move out ofalignment. Worn, misaligned, and/or outdated track may be adjusted,aligned, and/or replaced. Such maintenance may include changing outbroken track and defective rails, removing and reconstructing tracks,repairing switches, cutting rails, tightening and replacing track bolts(also called rail bolts), grinding rails (e.g., rail heads, switchpoints), welding rails, clipping rails, replacing sleepers, and/orreconfiguring ballast.

The challenge of maintaining a railway is exacerbated by recent trendsof smaller windows of track time devoted to maintenance, a drive formore track up time, accelerated railway use, and a limited workforce. Inparticular, about 40% of the current railway workforce is projected toretire over the next 10 years, thus leading to a general decline inworkforce experience.

Much railway maintenance is performed with gas or hydraulic hand toolswhich are heavy and cumbersome, thus limiting productivity. Hydraulichand tools may present an added safety concern with hydraulic linesdraped across a work site.

SUMMARY

A cold saw module may be a rail saw module that includes a cold sawconfigured to cut a railway rail along a cutting path, a rail alignmentclamp configured to grip the railway rail near the cutting path, a feedactuator to drive the cold saw along the cutting path, and a modulecoupling element configured to selectively couple to a mating modulecoupling element of an articulated arm and/or a tool adapter. Cold sawmodules may be used to cut metal workpieces such as a railway rail.Cutting a railway rail may include positioning the cold saw module at acutting site along the railway rail installed in a railway, clamping thecold saw module to the railway rail, and cutting the railway rail at thecutting site with the cold saw module while the cold saw module isclamped to the cutting site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of systems for railway maintenanceaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a tool attachment in asystem according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of the tool attachment of FIG. 2 showing thecomponents of an example module coupling.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another example module coupling.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another example module coupling.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further example module coupling.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example tool adapter with a railhandler in a disengaged configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tool adapter of FIG. 7 with the railhandler in an engaged configuration.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an example saw tool module.

FIG. 10 is a back perspective view of an example saw tool module.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of an example configuration of sawtool module components spaced along a railway rail.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective of an example saw tool module poised tocut a railway rail.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective of the saw tool module of FIG. 12 cuttingthe railway rail.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example bolting-drilling toolmodule.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of methods of cutting a railwayrail.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-15 illustrate systems for railway maintenance, tool attachments,and methods of use. In general, in the drawings, elements that arelikely to be included in a given embodiment are illustrated in solidlines, while elements that are optional or alternatives are illustratedin dashed lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid linesare not essential to all embodiments of the present disclosure, and anelement shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular embodimentwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Elementsthat serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose arelabeled with numbers consistent among the figures. Like numbers in eachof the figures, and the corresponding elements, may not be discussed indetail herein with reference to each of the figures. Similarly, allelements may not be labeled or shown in each of the figures, butreference numerals associated therewith may be used for consistency.Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed with referenceto one or more of the figures may be included in and/or used with any ofthe figures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of systems 10 according to the presentdisclosure. Systems 10 may be configured for railway maintenance and maybe referred to as railway maintenance systems. Systems 10 may be used tomaintain a railway, to repair a railway, and/or to replace a section ofa railway, as described further herein.

Systems 10 comprise a tool attachment 20 (also called a railwaymaintenance tool attachment when configured and/or used for railwaymaintenance). The tool attachment 20 includes a tool module 60 and anoptional tool adapter 30. The tool attachment 20 is configured tooperate at the end of an articulated arm 14 such as a crane (astypically used for materials handling) and/or an excavator work group(the boom, arm, etc.). Articulated arms 14 typically are hydraulicallypowered and connected to a vehicle 12 (e.g., a truck, an excavator). Thevehicle 12 may be adapted to travel on a railway and/or operate near arailway. Articulated arms 14 may have a base (typically coupled to aplatform (e.g., vehicle) such as a truck bed or an excavator) and an end(typically configured to accept and exchange various types ofattachments).

Though not a part of system 10, FIG. 1 also indicates the railway whichcomprises two parallel railway rails 70, sleepers 72 (also called ties)periodically spaced between the railway rails, clips 74 that bind therailway rails to the sleepers (bolts and/or spikes may be used inaddition or in alternate to clips), and ballast 76 that forms a bed forthe railway rails 70 and sleepers 72.

Systems 10 may comprise a power source 22 such as a hydraulic powersource (e.g., including a hydraulic pump). The power source 22 may beoperated by, and/or may be a component of, the vehicle 12. Additionallyor alternatively, the power source 22 may operate independent of thevehicle 12 (and is not necessarily associated with the vehicle). Forexample, the power source 22 may be a component of the articulated arm14 and/or the tool attachment 20. The same power source 22 may power oneor more of the vehicle 12, the articulated arm 14, the tool attachment20, the tool module 60, and the tool adapter 30. Additionally oralternatively, systems 10 may comprise a plurality of power sources 22,each of which may power different components of the system. Systems 10may comprise power lines 24 that transmit power from the power source tothe tool attachment 20 and/or to components thereof. Where the powersource 22 is a hydraulic power source, the power lines 24 may behydraulic lines, including a pressure line and a return line.

Articulated arms 14 commonly include an auxiliary hydraulic line tosupply power to tools at the end of the articulated arm. The toolattachment 20 may be connected to the auxiliary power from thearticulated arm 14 and/or to an auxiliary power source independent ofthe articulated arm 14 (e.g., an external hydraulic pump, a hydraulicpower source on the vehicle).

Though discussed in terms of hydraulic control and power, toolattachments 20, tool modules 60, and/or tool adapters 30 may be poweredby other power sources such as electrical power and/or mechanical power(e.g., from an internal combustion engine). Further, components of atool attachment 20, components of a tool module 60, and/or components ofa tool adapter 30 may be operated hydraulically while other componentsmay be operated from another power source.

Systems 10 may be configured to selectively couple (e.g., to selectivelyconnect and/or disconnect) tool attachments 20 to and/or from thearticulated arm 14. Coupling the tool attachment 20 may include forminga strong, secure mechanical link between the articulated arm 14 and thetool attachment 20. The end of the articulated arm 14 may include anattachment coupling mechanism 18 that may be configured to mate to anarm coupling mechanism 32 (connected to the tool attachment 20). Thecombination of the attachment coupling mechanism 18 of the articulatedarm 14 coupled (e.g., mated) to the arm coupling mechanism 32 of thetool attachment 20 forms an end coupling 16. Hence, systems 10 mayinclude an end coupling 16, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2.

The end coupling 16, the attachment coupling mechanism 18, and/or thearm coupling mechanism 32 may be any suitable coupling mechanism tosecurely and/or selectively couple the tool attachment 20 to thearticulated arm 14. For example, the end coupling 16, the attachmentcoupling mechanism 18, and/or the arm coupling mechanism 32 may include,and/or may be, a hitch, universal coupling mechanism, a yoke, a socket,a receiver, a pin, a clevis, a shackle, a plug, a knuckle, a hook,and/or a clamp. FIG. 2 illustrates an example end coupling 16 where theattachment coupling mechanism 18 includes a receiver and a pin, andwhere the arm coupling mechanism 32 includes a split yoke. The endcoupling 16, the attachment coupling mechanism 18, and/or the armcoupling mechanism 32 may be configured to automatically and/or manuallycouple (e.g., connect and/or disconnect).

Tool attachments 20 may include powered components and may include aninput power connector 26 configured to connect a power line 24. Theinput power connector 26 may be configured to connect the power line 24when connecting the end coupling 16. Additionally or alternatively, theinput power connector 26 may be independently connected and/ordisconnected. For example, the input power connector 26 may be a pair ofquick release hose connectors configured to connect hydraulic lines(e.g., at least a pressure line and a return line).

As seen in the schematic of FIG. 1 and the examples of FIGS. 2-6, toolattachments 20 may be configured to connect and/or to disconnect thetool adapter 30 to and/or from the tool module 60. Hence, the toolattachment 20 may include a module coupling 36, or a portion thereof,that is configured to selectively couple the tool module 60 to thearticulated arm 14 and/or the tool adapter 30. The module coupling 36may form a secure, strong mechanical link between the tool module 60 andone or both of the articulated arm 14 and the tool adapter 30.

Module couplings 36 include at least one module coupling element 38coupled to the tool module 60 and at least one mating module couplingelement 38 coupled to the tool adapter 30, if present, and/or to thearticulated arm 14. Module coupling elements 38 may include one or moremodule clamps 40, a component thereof, and/or a module couplingstructure 64. Generally, module coupling elements 38 of the modulecoupling 36 include a module clamp 40 (one of the module couplingelements 38) and a mating module coupling structure 64 (another of themodule coupling elements 38). Module clamps 40 are configured to gripthe mating module coupling structure 64 to couple the tool module 60 tothe articulated arm 14 and/or the tool adapter 30. Likewise, modulecoupling structures 64 are configured to be gripped by the mating moduleclamp 40 to couple the tool module 60 to the articulated arm 14 and/orthe tool adapter 30.

Module clamps 40 include a module clamp actuator 44 and at least twoopposing module clamp jaws 42. The module clamp actuator 44 may include,and/or may be, a hydraulic cylinder. At least one of the module clampjaws 42 is mobile, typically pivotably coupled to the tool module 60,the tool adapter 30, and/or the articulated arm 14. Module couplings 36,module coupling elements 38, and/or module clamps 40 may include amodule lock 46 that may be configured to lock the module coupling 36,the module coupling element 38, and/or the module clamp 40 in an openposition and/or a closed position. For example, the module lock 46 maybe a valve that forbids or permits fluid flow from a hydraulic actuatorassociated with the module clamp 40.

In the example of FIGS. 2-3, the tool module 60 includes a modulecoupling element 38 that includes two longitudinally spaced pairs ofmodule clamps jaws 42. The module clamp jaws 42 are configured to grip amating module coupling element 38 on the tool adapter 30. The matingmodule coupling element 38 of the tool adapter 30 includes two parallel,longitudinal module coupling structures 64. The mating module couplingelement 38 of the tool adapter 30 also includes a module clamp actuator44 (as seen in the cut away view of FIG. 3) for each pair of moduleclamp jaws 42 of the tool module 60. Each module clamp actuator 44 isconfigured to cause the corresponding module clamp jaws 42 to engage andto grip the module coupling structures 64 of the tool adapter 30. Thus,the module coupling elements 38 together define two module clamps 40,with the module clamp jaws 42 on the tool module 60 and the module clampactuators on the tool adapter 30. In this example, both module clampjaws 42 of both module clamps 40 are mobile and pivotably coupled to thetool module 60.

In the example of FIG. 4, the tool adapter 30 includes a module couplingelement 38 that includes two longitudinally spaced module clamps 40. Themodule clamps 40 are configured to grip a mating module coupling element38 on the tool module 60. The mating module coupling element 38 of thetool module 60 includes two module coupling structures 64. The moduleclamps 40 grip by hooking one of the module clamp jaws 42 in a notch ofthe module coupling structures 64.

In the example of FIG. 5, the tool module 60 includes a module couplingelement 38 that includes two longitudinally spaced-apart module couplingstructures 64 in the form of transversely aligned rods. The transverselyaligned rods are configured to be gripped and/or supported by a matingmodule coupling element 38 of the tool adapter 30 and/or the articulatedarm 14 (not shown). For example, the mating module coupling element mayinclude hooks and/or module clamps.

In the example of FIG. 6, the tool module 60 includes a module couplingelement 38 that includes a module coupling structure 64 formed with arailway rail profile. The rail-profile module coupling structure 64 isconfigured to be gripped by a mating module coupling element 38 on thetool adapter 30 and/or the articulated arm 14. For example, the matingmodule coupling element 38 may be configured to grip a railway rail(e.g., the mating module coupling element 38 may be a rail handlerand/or a rail gripper). As another example, the tool adapter 30 may be arail handler and/or a rail gripper. Additionally or alternatively, atool adapter 30 that includes a module clamp 40 configured to grip arailway rail may be used to grip and/or manipulate a railway rail and/ora mating tool module 60 that includes a rail-profile module couplingstructure 64.

Articulated arms 14, tool attachments 20, and/or tool adapters 30 mayinclude multiple module couplings 36. The different module couplings 36may be configured to couple multiple tool modules 60 simultaneously, tocouple different tool modules 60 in different locations and/ororientations, and/or to couple different types of tool modules 60.

Returning to the general discussion of the schematic of FIG. 1 and theexample of FIG. 2, tool adapters 30 may include a frame 34 that isconfigured to support and/or connect other components of the tooladapter 30. For example, the frame 34 may be coupled to and/or beconfigured to support, the arm coupling mechanism 32, the modulecoupling 36, at least one of the module coupling elements 38, and/or thetool module 60.

Tool adapters 30 may include a rail handler 50. The rail handler 50,when present, may be integrated with the tool adapter 30, remaining withthe tool adapter 30, and may remain functional, when the tool module 60is coupled to the tool adapter 30. Additionally or alternatively, therail handler may be used to grip a suitably configured tool module 60such as the example tool module of FIG. 6. Rail handlers 50 may becoupled, directly or indirectly, to the tool adapter 30 via the frame34.

Rail handlers 50 are configured to grasp the railway rail 70 of arailway and/or a railway rail to be used on a railway. Rail handlers 50may be configured to grip the railway rail 70 across the web 78 of therailway rail and below the head 80 of the railway rail. The top surfaceof the head 80 of the railway rail 70 may be dimensionally variable,e.g., due to wear and/or different designs of the railway rail.Similarly, the sides of the head 80 may be worn by use and/or havedifferent shapes based on design. The web 78 and head 80 are commonfeatures in railway rail designs and the web 78 and the underside of thehead 80 tend to remain relatively intact despite wear from use bytrains. Further, rail handlers 50 may be configured to grasp a range ofdesigns and/or sizes of railway rails 70 (e.g., high profile rails, lowprofile rails, flat bottomed rails, bullhead rails, conductor rails,etc.) without adjustment.

Rail handlers 50 include at least one, typically at least two, railclamp(s) 52. Each rail clamp 52 is configured to grip the railway rail70 and may be configured to grip the railway rail across the web 78and/or under the head 80. Where a rail handler 50 includes a pluralityof rail clamps 52, the rail clamps typically are spaced longitudinallyand configured to grip the same railway rail 70. Additionally oralternatively, plural rail clamps 52 may be spaced transversely andconfigured to grip substantially parallel railway rails (e.g., grippingthe parallel railway rails of a railway). The rail handler 50 may beconfigured to operate the rail clamps 52 cooperatively and/orindependently. Hence, two or more rail clamps 52 may simultaneously gripone railway rail 70, and/or simultaneously grip two or more railwayrails 70.

Each rail clamp 52 includes a rail clamp actuator 56 and at least twoopposing rail clamp jaws 54. The rail clamp actuator 56 may include,and/or may be, a hydraulic cylinder. The rail clamp actuator 56 may beconfigured to apply up to 1 ton-force (9.8 kN (kilonewtons)), up to 2ton-force (20 kN), up to 4 ton-force (39 kN), up to 8 ton-force (78 kN),greater than 0.1 ton-force (1 kN), greater than 1 ton-force (9.8 kN),and/or greater than 8 ton-force (78 kN). At least one of the opposingrail clamp jaws 54 is mobile, and may be pivotably coupled to the frame34. The mobile rail clamp jaw 54 and the rail clamp 52 generally areconfigured to engage and disengage the railway rail 70.

FIGS. 7-8 show the operation of an example rail handler 50. The two railclamps 52 are longitudinally spaced and configured to grip a singlerailway rail. In the example of FIGS. 7-8, the rail clamp actuators 56are hydraulic cylinders. Each rail clamp 52 includes a mobile rail clampjaw 54 (indicated with dot-dash lead lines) and a stationary rail clampjaw 54 (indicated with solid lead lines). In FIG. 7, the rail handler 50is in a disengaged configuration and the mobile rail clamp jaws 54 areshown in a disengaged position. In FIG. 8, the rail handler 50 is in anengaged configuration and the mobile rail clamp jaws 54 are shown in anengaged position.

Returning to the general discussion of the schematic of FIG. 1 and theexample of FIG. 2, tool adapters 30 may define a tool area 58 alongand/or around a section of railway rail 70 (as represented in FIG. 1).The tool area 58 generally is open space for the tool module 60 tooperate. The tool area 58 may be defined between two rail clamps 52which together comprise the rail handler 50 of the tool adapter 30.

Tool adapters 30 may include a rotator 33. The rotator 33 is connectedto, and is configured for relative rotational motion between, the frame34 and the arm coupling mechanism 32. The rotator 33 is configured torotate the frame 34 independent of the arm coupling mechanism 32 and/orthe articulated arm 14 connected to the tool adapter 30. The rotator 33may be a powered rotator, e.g., hydraulically powered. Additionally oralternatively, the articulated arm 14 may be configured to rotate thetool adapter 30 (e.g., about and/or with the end coupling 16).

Power may be coupled from the tool adapter 30 to the tool module 60. Thetool adapter 30 and/or the tool module 60 may include a module powerconnector 28 configured to connect a power line 24. The module powerconnector 28 may be configured to connect the power line 24 whenconnecting the module coupling 36. Additionally or alternatively, themodule power connector 28 may be independently connected and/ordisconnected. For example, the module power connector 28 may be a pairof quick release hose connectors configured to connect hydraulic lines(e.g., at least a pressure line and a return line), as shown in theexample of FIG. 2. Further, the tool adapter 30 may include the inputpower connector 26, which may be configured to supply and/or directpower to the tool adapter 30, and to the module power connector 28,which may be configured to supply and/or direct power to the tool module60.

Tool attachments 20, tool adapters 30 and/or tool modules 60 may beconfigured to be supported next to and/or by a railway and may beconfigured to roll on the railway. For example, tool adapters 30 and/ortool modules 60 may include feet structures 48 (also called supportstructures) configured to support the tool adapter 30. The feetstructures 48 may be configured to support the tool adapter 30 and/orthe tool modules 60 on the ground, on the ballast, and/or on the railway(e.g., on one or more railway rails 70). The feet structures 48 mayinclude wheels and/or casters configured to roll on the ground and/or onthe railway. For example, feet structures 48 and/or wheels may includeat least one flange configured to engage the head of the railway rail70.

Systems 10 and tool attachments 20 include the tool module 60. Toolmodules 60 also may be referred to as railway maintenance tools whenconfigured and/or used for railway maintenance. Systems 10 and/or toolattachments 20 may be configured to exchange tool modules 60 byconnecting and/or disconnecting the end coupling 16 and/or the modulecoupling 36. Hence, systems 10 may include a plurality of tool modules60.

Tool modules 60 are machine tools that are configured for operation fromthe end of the articulated arm 14 and configured to selectively couplewith (e.g., to connect to and to disconnect from) the articulated arm14, and/or the tool adapter 30 (e.g., with the end coupling 16 and/orthe module coupling 36). Tool modules 60 may be operated remotely (e.g.,via cabled, hydraulic, and/or radio-linked controls located apart fromthe tool module).

Tool modules 60 include a frame 62 and a module coupling element 38 ofthe module coupling 36. The frame 62 is configured to support and/orconnect other components of the tool module 60. For example, the frame62 may be coupled to, and/or may be configured to support, the modulecoupling 36, at least one of the module coupling elements 38, the moduleclamp 40, the module coupling structure 64, the module clamp actuator44, and/or module clamp jaw(s) 42. The frame 62 may be configured tospan a length of the railway rail 70.

Tool modules 60 may be configured to perform one or more railmaintenance operations such as cutting rails, manipulating rails,setting rails, setting sleepers, securing rails, welding rails, grindingrails, tamping ballast, removing ballast, and/or replacing ballast. Forexample, the tool module 60 may be, and/or may include, a rail saw, asparkless rail saw, a rail handler, a spike driver, a spike puller, asleeper tamper, a sleeper exchanger, a clipping tool, a clip installer,a clip remover, a rail bolter, a rail drill, a sleeper drill, a weldalignment tool, a thermite weld installer, a rail mill, a switch mill, aballast plow, and a ballast broom. Additionally or alternatively, toolmodules 60 may be configured for operation in other settings. Forexample, a tool module 60 may be a mobile saw module (as discussedfurther herein) that may be adapted for cutting metal structures(workpieces) at a field site in industrial and/or construction settings.The workpieces may be elongated and/or may be a beam (e.g., an I-beam),a rail, a rod, a plate, a tube, a pipe, and/or conduit.

Systems 10 also may include a storage cradle 66 (as shown in FIG. 2)configured to support the tool attachment 20, the tool adapter 30,and/or the tool module 60 when not in use and/or when not connected tothe articulated arm 14 or other components of the system 10.

FIGS. 9-11 show various views and aspects of one particular type of toolmodule 60, namely, a saw module 100 (also called a rail saw module whenconfigured and/or used to cut railway rails). Saw modules 100 areconfigured to cut a metal workpiece (e.g., the railway rail), typicallyat a field site and/or as installed at a field site. For example, sawmodules 100 may be configured to cut a railway rail as installed in arailway (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 9-11). Saw modules 100 may beconfigured to cut out a section of railway rail from a railway and/or tocut out a section of railway (e.g., cutting out two parallel sections ofrailway rails). Typically, the saw module 100 is configured to cut themetal workpiece transversely (e.g., substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal and/or elongated direction of the metal workpiece). Forexample, the saw module 100 may be configured to cut the railway railtransversely (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the railway rail). Saw modules 100 are configured to cutthe metal workpiece along a cutting path 144 (as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11,also called a feed path). Hence, the cutting path 144 is transverse tothe metal workpiece (e.g., substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction and/or elongated direction of the (elongated)metal workpiece). Saw modules 100 include a saw 102, which may be asparkless saw, a cold saw, and/or an abrasive saw. Saws 102 may be aform of a rotary saw, a circular saw and/or a disc cutter and mayinclude a saw blade 104 (e.g., circular saw blade, a cold saw blade,and/or an abrasive saw blade).

While abrasive saws cut by grinding and/or abrading, and thus producesparks when cutting steel rails, cold saws cut by shearing and/orchipping. The process of cold sawing generally transfers the heatgenerated by the cutting into the swarf (e.g., chips) rather thanprimarily the workpiece and/or the saw blade. The cold sawing processgenerally leaves the cut workpiece relatively cool and produces minimalburr, no sparks, no discoloration, and/or no dust. Cold sawing ischaracterized by low speed, high torque cutting using a hard saw bladeconfigured for a high chip load per tooth.

Saws 102 include a blade motor 112 that is configured to rotate the sawblade 104. Blade motors 112 may be low speed, high torque motors and maybe hydraulic and/or electrically driven. Saws 102, in particular sawswith electrically-driven motors, generally include gearing to achieve asufficiently low blade speed. Suitable rotational speeds for the sawblade 104 and/or the blade motor 112 include less than 500 RPM(revolutions per minute), less than 200 RPM, less than 100 RPM, lessthan 80 RPM, less than 50 RPM, less than 30 RPM, greater than 10 RPM,greater than 20 RPM, greater than 30 RPM, greater than 50 RPM, and/orgreater than 80 RPM. Saws 102, saw blades 104, and/or blade motors 112may be configured to rotate the saw blade, and/or cut the metalworkpiece, at a speed of at least 30 SMPM (surface meters per minute),at least 50 SMPM, at least 80 SMPM, at least 100 SMPM, at least 150SMPM, at most 300 SMPM, at most 200 SMPM, at most 150 SMPM, at most 100SMPM, at most 80 SMPM, and/or at most 50 SMPM. The measure of surfacemeters per minute is the rotational speed of the saw blade 104 times thecircumference of the saw blade. Suitable saw blade diameters include atleast 200 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, at least 700 mm, at most1000 mm, at most 800 mm, at most 600 mm, and/or at most 400 mm.

Cold sawing results also are affected by the type and configuration ofthe saw blade 104. Saw blades 104 may be a cold saw blade, acarbide-tipped saw blade, and/or a cermet-tipped saw blade. Carbiderefers to a carbide compound generally and may refer to a tungstencarbide compound. Cermet refers to a ceramic-metal composite material.Saw blades 104 may be composed substantially of at least one of steel,high speed steel, hardened steel, tungsten carbide, a carbide, andceramic. Saw blades 104 may include a plurality of teeth 106 and theteeth may be composed substantially of at least one of steel, high speedsteel, hardened steel, tungsten carbide, a carbide, cermet, cermetedcarbide, and cobalt. Teeth 106 may include a wear-resistant coatingand/or a dry lubricant coating such as at least one of a nitride,titanium nitride, titanium carbon nitride, titanium aluminum nitride,and titanium aluminum carbon nitride.

Flexure of the saw blade 104 may cause a poor cut and/or lead to damageto the saw blade, the saw 102 and/or the metal workpiece (e.g., therailway rail). Saws 102 may include one or more pairs of blade truingrollers 108 that are configured to maintain the shape of the saw blade104 during cutting and/or to limit flexure within the saw blade duringcutting. Blade truing rollers 108 may contact the saw blade 104 whilethe saw blade is spinning and/or cutting. Blade truing rollers 108 mayapply transverse forces to the saw blade 104 to keep the teeth 106 ofthe saw blade 104 aligned with the cutting path 144.

Saws 102 may include a saw guard 110 configured to cover the saw blade104 and to protect the saw blade, personnel, and/or equipment from harm.

Saw modules 100 include the frame 62 that may include one or morealignment rails 140. The frame 62 of the saw module 100 is configured tosupport and/or connect other components of the saw module 100.

In the examples of FIGS. 9-10, two alignment rails 140 are included inthe frame 62. The alignment rails 140 may be configured to be alignedparallel to an elongated metal workpiece (e.g., the railway rail) whenthe saw module 100 is engaged with the railway rail. Thus, the alignmentrails 140 may be aligned longitudinally. The cutting path 144 of the saw102 is substantially perpendicular to the elongated metal workpiece and,hence, the cutting path 144 may be substantially perpendicular to thealignment rail(s) 140. Where a saw module 100 includes more than onealignment rail 140, the alignment rails generally are substantiallyparallel and spaced apart. In the example of FIG. 10, the frame 62 is anA-frame configuration with one alignment rail 140 at each base of theA-frame, configured to locate one alignment rail on either side of therailway rail.

Saw modules 100 may include a feed actuator 130 that is configured todrive the saw 102 and/or the saw blade 104 along the cutting path 144,and, hence, substantially perpendicular to the metal workpiece being cutand/or the alignment rail(s) 140. The feed actuator 130 may include,and/or may be, a hydraulic cylinder. The feed actuator 130 may beconfigured to move the saw 102 and/or the saw blade 104 while the saw isoperating (e.g., spinning and/or cutting the metal workpiece). The feedactuator 130 may be configured to move the saw 102 and/or the saw blade104 at a substantially constant velocity along the cutting path 144.

Saw modules 100 may include one or more rail alignment clamps 124configured to grip a railway rail near the cutting path 144 (near beingtypically within about one equivalent saw blade diameter). Saw modules100 may include at least two, or more, rail alignment clamps 124. Sawmodules 100 may include at least one rail alignment clamp 124 on eachside of the cutting path 144. For example, the saw module 100 mayinclude two rail alignment clamps 124, each on opposite sides of thecutting path 144. Each rail alignment clamp 124 may be spaced apart fromthe cutting path 144. Multiple rail alignment clamps 124, if present,may be spaced apart longitudinally along the railway rail and/or may beconfigured to grip the railway rail at longitudinally spaced apartpoints along the railway rail. At least one (optionally all) of the railalignment clamps 124 may be configured to grip the railway rail within100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the cutting path 144. Where sawmodules 100 include at least one rail alignment clamp 124 on each sideof the cutting path 144, the nearest rail alignment clamp 124 on eachside may be configured to grip the railway rail within 100 mm, 200 mm,300 mm, or 500 mm of the cutting path 144. Additionally oralternatively, rail alignment clamps 124 may be alignment clampsconfigured to grip the metal workpiece near the cutting path 144.

For high torque operation, the metal workpiece, the saw 102, and/or thesaw module 100 may experience forces significant enough to deviate,jostle, bump, and/or kick the saw blade 104 from the desired cuttingpath 144. Some saw blades 104 and teeth 106, especially hard saw bladesand/or teeth, may be damaged by even small motions, vibrations, and/ordeviations from the desired cutting path 144. Rail alignment clamps 124may be configured to grip the metal workpiece tight enough tosignificantly prevent relative motion of the saw blade 104 and the metalworkpiece (except for the rotational cutting motion of the saw blade 104and the feed motion driven by the feed actuator 130). Additionally oralternatively, at least one rail alignment clamp 124, individually,and/or at least two (optionally all) of the rail alignment clamps 124,collectively, may be configured to align (and/or maintain the alignmentof) the cutting path 144 substantially perpendicular (e.g., essentiallyperpendicular) to the railway rail (metal workpiece) while therespective rail alignment clamp 124 grips the railway rail (metalworkpiece).

Rail alignment clamps 124, analogous to rail clamps 52 of the railhandler 50, include a rail alignment clamp actuator 128 and at least twoopposing rail alignment clamp jaws 126. The rail alignment clampactuator 128 may include, and/or may be, a hydraulic cylinder. The railalignment clamp actuator 128 may be configured to apply up to 2ton-force (20 kN), up to 5 ton-force (49 kN), up to 10 ton-force (98kN), up to 20 ton-force (200 kN), up to 40 ton-force (390 kN), greaterthan 1 ton-force (9.8 kN), greater than 5 ton-force (49 kN), and/orgreater than 40 ton-force (390 kN). At least one of the opposing railalignment clamp jaws 126 is mobile, and may be pivotably coupled to theframe 62 (e.g., coupled to an alignment rail 140). Rail alignment clamps124 may be configured to grip the railway rail across the web of therailway rail and/or under the head of the railway rail.

Saw modules 100 may include a pair of rail spreading clamps 114 (alsocalled spreading clamps) configured to grip the metal workpiece onopposite sides of the cutting path 144. Rail spreading clamps 114 may beconfigured to longitudinally translate the frame 62 and/or the saw 102relative to the metal workpiece. The pair of rail spreading clamps 114may be configured to apply tension to the metal workpiece (e.g., therailway rail) being, or to be, cut, across and/or substantiallyperpendicular to the cutting path 144. At least one of the railalignment clamps 124 is located between the pair of spreading clamps114, when present. For example, two rail alignment clamps 124 may belocated on opposite sides of the cutting path 144, with both railalignment clamps 124 between the pair of spreading clamps 114.

Each rail spreading clamp 114 includes a rail clamp 116, analogous torail clamps 52, and a translating actuator 122. The translating actuator122 may include, and/or may be, a hydraulic cylinder. The translatingactuator 122 is configured to apply a force urging the frame 62 and/orthe saw 102 to translate longitudinally along the metal workpiece (e.g.,the railway rail). If the metal workpiece is only secured to the sawmodule 100 via one or more rail spreading clamps 114, the translatingactuator(s) 122 may be operated (cooperatively) to reposition the frame62 and/or the saw 102 above and/or along the metal workpiece. Tensionmay be applied to the metal workpiece by gripping the metal workpiecewith the pair of rail spreading clamps 114 and then operating thetranslating actuators 122 to direct the rail spreading clamps 114 awayfrom each other. Translating actuators 122 may be configured to applyspreading force of at least 50 ton-force (490 kN), at least 70 ton-force(690 kN), at least 90 ton-force (880 kN), at least 100 ton-force (980kN), at least 120 ton-force (1200 kN), at least 150 ton-force (1500 kN),and/or at least 180 ton-force (1800 kN).

Railway rails, as installed, may be under significant stress, forexample, due to differential thermal expansion/contraction of therailway and components. Often railway rails are installed pre-stressed(e.g., compressed) to mitigate some of the effects of daily andseasonally driven thermal expansion and contraction. Applying tension toa railway rail while cutting the railway rail may relieve deleteriousstress in the railway rail, stress that might otherwise bind the sawblade 104 and/or damage the saw blade 104, saw 102, and/or saw module100.

Rail clamps 116 of rail spreading clamps 114 may be configured to grip arailway rail and may be configured to grip the railway rail across theweb and/or under the head. Rail clamps 116 include a rail clamp actuator120 and at least two opposing rail clamp jaws 118. The rail clampactuator 120 may include, and/or may be, a hydraulic cylinder. The railclamp actuator 120 may be configured to apply up to 2 ton-force (20 kN),up to 5 ton-force (49 kN), up to 10 ton-force (98 kN), up to 20ton-force (200 kN), up to 40 ton-force (390 kN), greater than 1ton-force (9.8 kN), greater than 5 ton-force (49 kN), and/or greaterthan 40 ton-force (390 kN). At least one of the opposing rail clamp jaws118 is mobile, and may be pivotably coupled to the rail spreading clamp114.

Tool modules 60 and/or saw modules 100 may include a ballast plowmechanism 132 configured to remove and/or to displace ballast from undera railway rail along a clearing path 146 that is transverse to therailway rail. The clearing path 146 may be substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal direction of the railway rail. The clearing path 146may substantially overlap and may be the same as the cutting path 144.The ballast plow mechanism 132 may be configured to create a clearancespace in the ballast along the clearing path 146. The clearance spacepermits the saw 102 to cut the railway rail without contacting theballast. If the saw 102 were to contact the ballast while cutting therailway rail, the ballast could damage the saw 102, the saw module 100,the tool module 60, and/or the railway rail.

Moreover, the ballast could be launched a great distance and/or at greatspeed, presenting a potential hazard to nearby personnel and equipment.The clearance space may have depth below the railway rail of at most 200mm, at most 100 mm, at most 50 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm,and/or at least 40 mm. The clearance space may have a width of at most300 mm, at most 200 mm, at most 100 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 40 mm,and/or at least 60 mm.

The ballast plow mechanism 132 may include a ballast plow 136 and/or aballast plow actuator 134. The ballast plow actuator 134 may include,and/or may be, a hydraulic cylinder. The ballast plow 136 may beconfigured to sweep and/or to swing under the railway rail transversely,generally arcing under the railway rail, transverse to the railway rail.The ballast plow mechanism 132 may be configured to drive the ballastplow 136 in an arc under the railway rail, transverse to the railwayrail. The ballast plow 136 has a width, perpendicular to the clearingpath 146 (and, hence, substantially longitudinal with respect to therailway rail), that generally is narrower than the spacing betweenadjacent sleepers of the railway. For example, the width of the ballastplow 136 may be at most 300 mm, at most 200 mm, at most 100 mm, at least20 mm, at least 40 mm, and/or at least 60 mm. The ballast plow mechanism132 and/or the ballast plow 136 may be configured to collect swarf(e.g., chips) from the railway rail as the railway rail is cut by thesaw 102. Additionally or alternatively, saw modules 100 may include achip collector 138 configured to collect swarf (e.g., chips) generatedduring cutting of the metal workpiece (e.g., railway rail).

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an example of a saw module 100. The example sawmodule 100 includes a saw 102, a plurality of rail alignment clamps 124,and a frame 62. The rail alignment clamps 124 are arrangedlongitudinally along the railway rail 70, with one rail alignment clamp124 on one side of the cutting path 144 and a pair of rail alignmentclamps 124 on the opposite side of the cutting path 144. The frame 62interconnects the saw 102 and the plurality of rail alignment clamps124, and includes a module coupling element 38 that is a module couplingstructure 64 (a ring). The saw 102 is configured to begin cutting therailway rail 70 generally from above and the side of the head 80 of therailway rail 70.

Saw modules 100 are mobile, generally configured to be moved by acoupled articulated arm. Hence, saw modules 100 may be referred to asmobile saw modules. Saw modules 100 may be configured to be operated byone person (e.g., with the aid of the articulated arm and/or remotecontrols). Saw modules 100 may have a mass of less than 1500 kg, lessthan 1000 kg, less than 500 kg, less than 200 kg, or less than 100 kg.

FIG. 14 shows an example tool attachment 20 with another type of toolmodule 60, namely, a rail bolting and/or drilling module 200 (alsoreferred to as a bolting-drilling module, a bolting module, and/or adrilling module). Rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200 include aframe 62, a rail alignment clamp 124 and a module coupling element 38 ofa module coupling 36 (e.g., a module clamp 40 and/or a module couplingstructure 64).

Rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200 may be configured to operaterail bolts located within a longitudinal section 220 of the railway rail70. Operating rail bolts may include tightening, loosening, inserting,and/or removing the rail bolts. Rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200may include a plurality of bolt wrenches 202. Each bolt wrench 202 maybe configured to operate (e.g., to tighten, to loosen, to insert, and/orto remove) a rail bolt. Each bolt wrench 202 may be an automatic wrenchand may be a torque-limited wrench (also called a torque wrench). Eachbolt wrench 202 may include a socket wrench head 210 and a motor 208 todrive the socket wrench head. The plurality of bolt wrenches 202 may bealigned in a row along the longitudinal section 220 of the railway rail70 and the row may be configured to align longitudinally with therailway rail (and/or configured to longitudinally align with the railwayrail when present). The bolt wrenches 202 may be configured to alignwith a pre-existing series, and/or a predetermined pattern, of railbolts, and/or rail bolt holes, on the railway rail 70.

Further, rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200 may include apositioner 206 for the plurality of bolt wrenches 202. The positioner206 is coupled between the frame 62 and the plurality of bolt wrenches202. The positioner 206 is configured to move the plurality of boltwrenches 202 between an active position and a clearance position. Thepositioner 206 may be configured to move one or more of the boltwrenches 202 independent of the others and may be configured to moveeach of the bolt wrenches 202 independently. The active position isconfigured to align the respective bolt wrench(es) 202 over thecorresponding rail bolt (and/or rail bolt hole) on the railway rail 70.The clearance position is configured to space the respective boltwrench(es) 202 away from the railway rail 70 and/or the respective railbolt (and/or rail bolt hole). The clearance position may be useful toposition the rail bolting and/or drilling module 200 along the railwayrail 70, to remove the rail bolting and/or drilling module 200 from therailway rail 70, and/or to engage the rail bolting and/or drillingmodule 200 with the railway rail 70.

Rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200 may be configured to form(e.g., to drill, to cut, and/or to punch) holes in the railway rail 70within a longitudinal section 220 of the railway rail 70. Rail boltingand/or drilling modules 200 may include a plurality of drills 204. Eachdrill 204 may be configured to form a hole for a rail bolt, typicallythrough the web of the railway rail 70. Each drill 204 may include adrill bit 212 (schematically indicated by a dotted lead line) and amotor 208 to drive the drill bit 212. The drills 204 may be aligned in arow along the longitudinal section 220 of the railway rail 70. The rowmay be configured to align longitudinally with the railway rail 70(and/or configured to longitudinally align with the railway rail whenpresent). The drills 204 may be configured to align with a predeterminedseries and/or pattern of holes site (i.e., sites where holes are to beformed on the railway rail 70). For example, the pattern of hole sitesmay be a series of spaced apart sites on the web 78. Thus, the pluralityof drills 204 may be configured to form a series of spaced apart holesthrough the web 78 of the railway rail 70.

Further, rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200 may include apositioner 206 for the plurality of drills 204. The positioner 206 iscoupled between the frame and the plurality of drills 204. Thepositioner 206 is configured to move the plurality of drills 204 betweenan active position and a clearance position. The positioner 206 may beconfigured to move one or more of the drills 204 independent of theothers and may be configured to move each of the drills 204independently. The active position is configured to align the respectivedrill(s) 204 and/or the corresponding drill bit(s) 212 to the respectivehole site on the railway rail 70. The active position is configured toalign the drill bit(s) 212 substantially perpendicular to the web 78 ofthe railway rail 70. The clearance position is configured to space therespective drill(s) 204 away from the railway rail 70 and/or therespective hole site (and/or hole). The clearance position may be usefulto position the rail bolting and/or drilling module 200 along therailway rail 70, to remove the rail bolting and/or drilling module 200from the railway rail 70, and/or to engage the rail bolting and/ordrilling module 200 with the railway rail 70. The positioner 206 may beconfigured to linearly translate the plurality of drills 204 toward andaway from the web 78 of the railway rail 70 to cut the holes through theweb 78 of the railway rail 70. The positioner 206 may be configured tolinearly translate one or more of the drills 204 independent of theother and may be configured to linearly translate each of the drills 204independently.

Rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200 may be coupled to a tooladapter 30 and/or may be part of a tool attachment 20. The toolattachment 20 and/or the tool adapter 30 may include a rail handler 50with two or more rail clamps 52 to grip the railway rail 70 and/or toalign the bolt wrenches 202 and/or drills 204 with the railway rail 70and/or the web 78 of the railway rail. Additionally or alternatively,rail bolting and/or drilling modules 200 may include one or more railalignment clamps (not shown in FIG. 14, but referenced as number 124 inother figures). The rail alignment clamps may be configured to grip therailway rail 70 and/or to align the bolt wrenches 202 and/or drills 204with the railway rail 70 and/or the web 78 of the railway rail. The railalignment clamps may be configured to be spaced longitudinally from thelongitudinal section 220, and may include at least one rail alignmentclamp on each side of the longitudinal section 220 (as shown for therail clamps 52). The rail alignment clamps may be arranged with respectto the longitudinal section 220 in the same manner as described withrespect to the cutting path (e.g., with respect to FIGS. 9-11).

FIG. 15 schematically represents an example of using a cold saw module(such as saw module 100 that includes a cold saw). As indicated in FIG.15, methods 400 of cutting a railway rail include positioning 402 a coldsaw module at a cutting site along a railway rail installed in arailway, clamping 404 the cold saw module to the railway rail, andcutting 406 the railway rail with the cold saw module while the cold sawmodule is clamped to the railway rail.

Positioning 402 may include positioning with a translating actuator ofthe cold saw module (e.g., the translating actuator 122 of the spreadingclamp 114). Positioning 402 may include positioning the cold saw modulewith an articulated arm (such as the articulated arm 14) connected tothe cold saw module. Methods 400 may include connecting 410 the cold sawmodule to an articulated arm (such as the articulated arm 14).Connecting 410 may include connecting the articulated arm to a tooladapter (such as tool adapter 30) and connecting the tool adapter to thecold saw module.

Clamping 404 may include clamping the railway rail with one or more railalignment clamps of the cold saw module (such as rail alignment clamps124). Clamping 404 may include aligning the cold saw module such that acold saw and/or a cold saw blade (e.g., saw 102 and/or saw blade 104) ofthe cold saw module is substantially perpendicular (e.g., essentiallyperpendicular) to the railway rail. Clamping 404 may include clamping ata clamping site within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the cuttingsite. Clamping 404 may include clamping the railway rail on oppositesides of the cutting site. Clamping 404 may include applying up to 2ton-force (20 kN), up to 5 ton-force (49 kN), up to 10 ton-force (98kN), up to 20 ton-force (200 kN), up to 40 ton-force (390 kN), greaterthan 1 ton-force (9.8 kN), greater than 5 ton-force (49 kN), and/orgreater than 40 ton-force (390 kN) across the railway rail and/or acrossa web of the railway rail.

Cutting 406 may include cutting transversely through the railway rail,e.g., substantially perpendicular (e.g., essentially perpendicular) tothe railway rail. Cutting 406 may include cutting along a cutting paththrough the railway rail. Cutting 406 may include cutting with a coldsaw blade rotating at a speed of less than 500 RPM, less than 200 RPM,less than 100 RPM, less than 80 RPM, less than 50 RPM, less than 30 RPM,greater than 10 RPM, greater than 20 RPM, greater than 30 RPM, greaterthan 50 RPM, and/or greater than 80 RPM. Cutting 406 may include cuttingwith a cold saw blade operating at a speed of at least 30 SMPM, at least50 SMPM, at least 80 SMPM, at least 100 SMPM, at least 150 SMPM, at most300 SMPM, at most 200 SMPM, at most 150 SMPM, at most 100 SMPM, at most80 SMPM, and/or at most 50 SMPM. Cutting 406 may include cutting with acold saw blade with a diameter of at least 200 mm, at least 300 mm, atleast 500 mm, at least 700 mm, at most 1000 mm, at most 800 mm, at most600 mm, and/or at most 400 mm.

Methods 400 may include clearing 414 ballast from a clearance spaceunder the railway rail, prior to the cutting 406. Clearing 414 mayinclude clearing ballast with a ballast plow mechanism (such as ballastplow mechanism 132), for example, by driving a ballast plow (such asballast plow 136) under the railway rail along a clearing path. Theballast plow mechanism may be a component of the cold saw module or maybe an independent tool. The clearing space may be under the cutting siteand may include ballast near the cutting site. For example, theclearance space may have a depth under the railway rail of at most 200mm, at most 100 mm, at most 50 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm,and/or at least 40 mm. The clearance space may have a width of at most300 mm, at most 200 mm, at most 100 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 40 mm,and/or at least 60 mm.

Methods 400 may include, prior to the cutting 406, tensioning 416 therailway rail about the cutting site (i.e., tension is applied across thecutting site along the longitudinal direction of the railway rail).Tensioning 416 may relieve stress and/or compression in the railway railand may avoid binding and/or damage of the cold saw as the railway railis cut. Tension may be applied by a spreading clamp, e.g., the spreadingclamp 114. Tensioning 416 may include applying spreading force of atleast 50 ton-force (490 kN), at least 70 ton-force (690 kN), at least 90ton-force (880 kN), at least 100 ton-force (980 kN), at least 120ton-force (1200 kN), at least 150 ton-force (1500 kN), and/or at least180 ton-force (1800 kN) across the cutting site.

Methods 400 may include repeating 420 at least the positioning 402 andthe cutting 406 at a second cutting site to cut the railway rail at thesecond cutting site (hence, the original cutting site may be referred toas the first cutting site). Repeating 420 may include repeating all ofthe steps of methods 400 at the second cutting site, for example,repeating the clamping 404, the clearing 414, and/or the tensioning 416.Methods 400 may include removing and/or replacing a section of railwayrail between the first cutting site and the second cutting site (aftercutting both sites).

Examples of inventive subject matter according to the present disclosureare described in the following enumerated paragraphs.

A1. A railway maintenance system comprising:

an optional power source;

an optional vehicle;

an optional articulated arm;

an optional end coupling; and

a tool attachment that includes a tool module and that optionallyincludes a tool adapter.

A2. The system of paragraph A1, wherein the tool module is the sawmodule of any of paragraphs B1-B29.4.

A3. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein the tool module isthe tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C10.2.

A4. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the tool module is atleast one of a rail saw, a sparkless rail saw, a rail handler, a spikedriver, a spike puller, a sleeper tamper, a sleeper exchanger, aclipping tool, a clip installer, a clip remover, a rail bolter, a raildrill, a sleeper drill, a weld alignment tool, a thermite weldinstaller, a rail mill, a switch mill, a ballast plow, and a ballastbroom.

A5. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the tool attachmentincludes a module coupling element and optionally wherein the modulecoupling element is a portion of a module coupling.

A5.1. The system of paragraph A5, wherein the module coupling and/or themodule coupling element is configured to selectively couple the toolmodule to an articulated arm and/or a tool adapter.

A5.2. The system of any of paragraphs A5-A5.1, wherein the modulecoupling and/or the module coupling element couples the tool module toan articulated arm and/or a tool adapter.

A5.3. The system of any of paragraphs A5-A5.2, wherein the modulecoupling includes a module clamp and a module coupling structure, andoptionally wherein the module coupling element includes at least aportion of the module clamp and/or the module coupling structure.

A5.3.1. The system of paragraph A5.3, wherein the module clamp includesa module clamp actuator and at least two opposing module clamp jaws.

A5.3.1.1. The system of paragraph A5.3.1, wherein the module clampactuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

A5.3.1.2. The system of any of paragraphs A5.3.1-A5.3.1.1, wherein atleast one module clamp jaw is pivotably coupled to the tool module orthe optional tool adapter.

A5.3.2. The system of any of paragraphs A5.3-A5.3.1.2, wherein themodule clamp is configured to grip the module coupling structure.

A5.3.3. The system of any of paragraphs A5.3-A5.3.2, wherein the modulecoupling structure is configured to be gripped by the module clamp.

A5.3.4. The system of any of paragraphs A5.3-A5.3.3, wherein the modulecoupling includes a module lock that is configured to lock the moduleclamp in an open position and/or a closed position.

A6. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A5.3.4, wherein the tool moduleincludes a frame.

A6.1. The system of paragraph A6, wherein the frame is coupled to,and/or is configured to support, at least one of a module couplingelement, a module clamp, a module coupling structure, a module clampactuator, and a module clamp jaw.

A7. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A6.1, wherein the tool adapterincludes an arm coupling mechanism configured to couple to an end of anarticulated arm.

A7.1. The system of paragraph A7, wherein the arm coupling mechanismincludes, optionally is, at least one of a hitch, universal couplingmechanism, a yoke, a socket, a receiver, a pin, a clevis, a shackle, aplug, a knuckle, and a clamp.

A7.2. The system of any of paragraphs A7-A7.1, wherein the arm couplingmechanism is configured to mate to an attachment coupling mechanism toform an end coupling.

A7.3. The system of any of paragraphs A7-A7.2, wherein the arm couplingmechanism is configured to automatically and/or manually couple to/fromthe end of the articulated arm.

A8. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A7.3, wherein the tool adapterincludes a rotator.

A8.1. The system of paragraph A8, wherein the rotator is configured torotate a frame of the tool adapter relative to an arm coupling mechanismof the tool adapter.

A8.2. The system of any of paragraphs A8-A8.1, wherein the rotator is apowered rotator, optionally a hydraulically-powered rotator.

A9. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A8.2, wherein the tool adapterincludes a frame.

A9.1. The system of paragraph A9, wherein the frame is coupled to,and/or is configured to support, at least one of an arm couplingmechanism of the tool adapter, a rotator of the tool adapter, a modulecoupling element of the tool adapter, and a rail handler of the tooladapter.

A10. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A9.1, wherein the tool adapterincludes an input power connector.

A10.1. The system of paragraph A10, wherein the input power connector isconfigured to supply and/or direct power to the tool adapter.

A11. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A10.1, wherein the tool adapterincludes a module power connector.

A11.1. The system of paragraph A11, wherein the module power connectoris configured to supply and/or direct power to a tool module.

A12. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A11.1, wherein the tool adapterincludes a module coupling element.

A12.1. The system of paragraph A12, wherein the module coupling elementincludes a module clamp and optionally wherein the module clamp isconfigured to grip a module coupling structure.

A12.2. The system of any of paragraphs A12-A12.1, wherein the modulecoupling element includes a module coupling structure and optionallywherein the module coupling structure is configured to be gripped by amodule clamp.

A13. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A12.2, wherein the tool adapterincludes a rail handler that includes at least one rail clamp.

A13.1. The system of paragraph A13, wherein the rail clamp is configuredto grip a railway rail, and optionally configured to grip the railwayrail across a web of the railway rail and/or under a head of the railwayrail.

A13.2. The system of any of paragraphs A13-A13.1, wherein the railhandler includes two spaced apart rail clamps.

A13.3. The system of any of paragraphs A13-A13.2, wherein each railclamp includes a rail clamp actuator and at least two opposing railclamp jaws.

A13.3.1. The system of paragraph A13.3, wherein the rail clamp actuatorincludes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

A13.3.2. The system of any of paragraphs A13.3-A13.3.1, wherein at leastone rail clamp jaw is pivotably coupled to a frame of the tool adapter.

A14. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A13.3.2, wherein the tooladapter is configured to be supported by a railway and optionally isconfigured to roll on a railway.

A15. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A14, wherein the tool adapterincludes wheels configured to support at least one of the toolattachment, the tool adapter, and the tool module, and optionallywherein the wheels are configured to fit a railway.

A16. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein the power sourceincludes, optionally is, a hydraulic power source.

A17. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A16, wherein the power sourceincludes a hydraulic pump.

A18. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein the vehicle isconfigured to travel on a railway and off a railway.

A19. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A18, wherein the vehicle is atruck and/or an excavator.

A20. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A19, wherein the vehicleincludes a power source, optionally a hydraulic power source.

A21. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A20, wherein the articulated armis coupled to a vehicle.

A22. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the articulated armis configured to be powered by a power source, optionally by a hydraulicpower source.

A23. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A22, wherein the articulated armis a powered articulated arm, optionally a hydraulically-poweredarticulated arm.

A24. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein the articulated armis a work group of an excavator and/or a crane.

A25. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein the articulated armhas a base, optionally wherein the base is connected to a vehicle.

A26. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A25, wherein the articulated armhas an end.

A26.1. The system of paragraph A26, wherein the end is connected to atool adapter.

A26.2. The system of any of paragraphs A26-A26.1, wherein the endincludes an attachment coupling mechanism, optionally wherein theattachment coupling mechanism is configured to mate to an arm couplingmechanism to form an end coupling.

A27. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A26.2, wherein the end couplingcouples the articulated arm to the tool adapter and/or a tool module.

A28. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein the end couplingincludes an attachment coupling mechanism and an arm coupling mechanism.

A29. The system of any of paragraphs A1-A28, wherein the end couplingincludes, optionally is, at least one of a hitch, universal couplingmechanism, a yoke, a socket, a receiver, a pin, a clevis, a shackle, aplug, a knuckle, and a clamp.

A30. The use of the system of any of paragraphs A1-A29 to maintain arailway, to repair a railway, and/or to replace a section of a railway.

B1. A saw module comprising:

a frame optionally configured to longitudinally span a length of arailway rail;

a saw with a cutting path configured to cut a/the railway railtransversely, wherein the saw is coupled to the frame;

an optional pair of spreading clamps with a first spreading clamp of thepair configured to grip the railway rail on one side of the cuttingpath, and a second spreading clamp of the pair configured to grip therailway rail on an opposite side of the cutting path, wherein the pairof spreading clamps are coupled to the frame;

at least one rail alignment clamp configured to grip the railway railnear the cutting path, wherein the at least one rail alignment clamp iscoupled to the frame;

an optional feed actuator configured to drive the saw along the cuttingpath, wherein the feed actuator is coupled to the frame;

an optional ballast plow mechanism configured to remove and/or todisplace ballast from under the railway rail along the cutting path,wherein the ballast plow mechanism is coupled to the frame; and

an optional module coupling element configured to selectively couple toa mating module coupling element of at least one of an articulated armand a tool adapter, wherein the module coupling element is coupled tothe frame.

B2. The saw module of paragraph B1, wherein the saw is at least one of acold saw and a sparkless saw.

B3. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B2, wherein the saw is anabrasive saw.

B4. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein the saw includesa saw blade.

B4.1. The saw module of paragraph B4, wherein the saw blade is at leastone of a circular saw blade, a cold saw blade, a carbide-tipped sawblade, a cermet-tipped saw blade, and an abrasive saw blade.

B4.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B4-B4.1, wherein the saw bladeis composed substantially of at least one of steel, high speed steel,hardened steel, tungsten carbide, a carbide, and ceramic.

B4.3. The saw module of any of paragraphs B4-B4.2, wherein the saw bladeincludes a plurality of teeth.

B4.3.1. The saw module of paragraph B4.3, wherein the teeth are composedsubstantially of at least one of steel, high speed steel, hardenedsteel, tungsten carbide, a carbide, cermet, cermeted carbide, andcobalt.

B4.3.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B4.3-B4.3.1, wherein theteeth include at least one of a wear-resistant coating and a drylubricant coating.

B4.3.3. The saw module of any of paragraphs B4.3-B4.3.2, wherein theteeth include a coating including at least one of a nitride, titaniumnitride, titanium carbon nitride, titanium aluminum nitride, andtitanium aluminum carbon nitride.

B4.4. The saw module of any of paragraphs B4-B4.3.3, wherein the sawblade has a diameter of at least 200 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500mm, at least 700 mm, at most 1000 mm, at most 800 mm, at most 600 mm,and/or at most 400 mm.

B5. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B4.4, wherein the sawincludes a blade motor.

B5.1. The saw module of paragraph B5, wherein the blade motor is ahydraulic motor.

B5.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B5-B5.1, wherein the blademotor is a low speed, high torque motor.

B6. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B5.2, wherein the saw isconfigured to rotate a saw blade at a speed of less than 500 RPM, lessthan 200 RPM, less than 100 RPM, less than 80 RPM, less than 50 RPM,less than 30 RPM, greater than 10 RPM, greater than 20 RPM, greater than30 RPM, greater than 50 RPM, and/or greater than 80 RPM.

B7. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein the saw isconfigured to rotate a saw blade at a speed of at least 30 SMPM, atleast 50 SMPM, at least 80 SMPM, at least 100 SMPM, at least 150 SMPM,at most 300 SMPM, at most 200 SMPM, at most 150 SMPM, at most 100 SMPM,at most 80 SMPM, and/or at most 50 SMPM.

B8. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B7, wherein the saw includesa pair of blade truing rollers.

B9. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B8, wherein the saw includesa saw guard.

B10. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B9, wherein the frameincludes one or more alignment rails.

B10.1. The saw module of paragraph B10, wherein the frame includes twoor more alignment rails and optionally wherein at least two alignmentrails are substantially parallel and spaced apart.

B10.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B10-B10.1, wherein at leastone, optionally each, alignment rail is arranged longitudinally.

B10.3. The saw module of any of paragraphs B10-B10.2, wherein at leastone, optionally each, alignment rail is arranged substantiallyperpendicular to the cutting path.

B10.4. The saw module of any of paragraphs B10-B10.3, wherein at leastone, optionally each, alignment rail is configured to align parallel tothe railway rail.

B11. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B10.4, wherein eachspreading clamp includes a rail clamp configured to grip the railwayrail, and optionally configured to grip the railway rail across a web ofthe railway rail and/or under a head of the railway rail.

B11.1. The saw module of paragraph B11, wherein the rail clamp includesa rail clamp actuator and at least two opposing rail clamp jaws.

B11.1.1. The saw module of paragraph B11.1, wherein the rail clampactuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

B11.1.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B11.1-B11.1.1, wherein atleast one, optionally each, rail clamp jaw is pivotably coupled to theframe, optionally to at least one alignment rail of the frame.

B12. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B11.1.2, wherein eachspreading clamp includes a translating actuator configured to translatethe spreading clamp along at least one alignment rail of the frame, andoptionally wherein the translating actuator includes, optionally is, ahydraulic cylinder.

B13. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B12, wherein the pair ofspreading clamps are configured to grip a railway rail at two positionsalong the railway rail and to apply tension to the railway rail betweenthe two positions, and optionally wherein the two positions are onopposite sides of the cutting path.

B14. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B13, wherein at least one,optionally each, rail alignment clamp is configured to grip the railwayrail between the pair of spreading clamps.

B15. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B14, wherein at least one,optionally each, rail alignment clamp is configured to grip the railwayrail across a web of the railway rail and/or under a head of the railwayrail.

B16. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B15, wherein the at leastone rail alignment clamp includes a first rail alignment clamp on oneside of the cutting path and a second rail alignment clamp on anopposite side of the cutting path.

B16.1. The saw module of paragraph B16, wherein each of the first railalignment clamp and the second rail alignment clamp are within 100 mm,200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the cutting path.

B17. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B16.1, wherein the at leastone rail alignment clamp includes at least two rail alignment clampsconfigured to grip the railway rail at longitudinally spaced apartpoints along the railway rail.

B17.1. The saw module of paragraph B17, wherein the at least two railalignment clamps are configured to grip the railway rail on oppositesides of the cutting path.

B17.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B17-B17.1, wherein at leasttwo of the rail alignment clamps are within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or500 mm of the cutting path.

B18. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B17.2, wherein the at leastone rail alignment clamp is configured to align the cutting pathsubstantially perpendicular to the railway rail while the at least onerail alignment clamp grips the railway rail.

B19. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B18, wherein each railalignment clamp is longitudinally spaced apart from the cutting path.

B20. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B19, wherein at least onerail alignment clamp is configured to grip the railway rail within 100mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the cutting path.

B21. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B20, wherein each railalignment clamp includes a rail alignment clamp actuator and at leasttwo opposing rail alignment clamp jaws.

B21.1. The saw module of paragraph B21, wherein the rail alignment clampactuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

B21.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B21-B21.1, wherein at leastone, optionally each, rail alignment clamp jaw is pivotably coupled tothe frame, optionally to at least one alignment rail of the frame.

B22. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B21.2, wherein the feedactuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

B23. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B22, wherein the feedactuator is configured to move the saw while the saw is cutting therailway rail.

B24. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B23, wherein the feedactuator is configured to move a/the saw blade of the saw at asubstantially constant velocity along the cutting path.

B25. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B24, wherein the ballastplow mechanism includes a ballast plow and/or a ballast plow actuator.

B25.1. The saw module of paragraph B25, wherein the ballast plow isconfigured to sweep and/or to swing under the railway rail transversely.

B25.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B25-B25.1, wherein theballast plow mechanism is configured to drive the ballast plow in an arcunder the railway rail, transverse to the railway rail.

B25.3. The saw module of any of paragraphs B25-B25.2, wherein theballast plow has a width, perpendicular to the cutting path, that is atmost 300 mm, at most 200 mm, at most 100 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 40mm, and/or at least 60 mm.

B25.4. The saw module of any of paragraphs B25-B25.3, wherein theballast plow is configured to collect swarf from the railway rail as therailway rail is cut by the saw.

B25.5. The saw module of any of paragraphs B25-B25.4, wherein theballast plow actuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

B26. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B25.5, wherein the modulecoupling element includes at least one of a module clamp and a modulecoupling structure.

B26.1. The saw module of paragraph B26, wherein the module clampincludes a module clamp actuator and optionally wherein the module clampactuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

B26.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B26-B26.1, wherein the moduleclamp includes at least two opposing module clamp jaws and optionallywherein at least one module clamp jaw is pivotably coupled to the frame.

B26.3. The saw module of any of paragraphs B26-B26.2, wherein the moduleclamp is configured to grip a mating module coupling structure.

B26.4. The saw module of any of paragraphs B26-B26.3, wherein the modulecoupling structure is configured to be gripped by a mating module clamp.

B26.5. The saw module of any of paragraphs B26-B26.4, wherein the moduleclamp and/or the module coupling structure includes a module lock thatis configured to lock the module clamp in at least one of an openposition and a closed position.

B27. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B26.5, wherein the sawmodule is configured to be supported by a railway and optionally isconfigured to roll on a railway.

B28. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B27, further comprising feetstructures configured to support the saw module.

B28.1. The saw module of paragraph B28, wherein the feet structures areconfigured to fit at least one of a railway and the railway rail.

B28.2. The saw module of any of paragraphs B28-B28.1, wherein the feetstructures include, optional are, wheels.

B29. The saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B28.2, wherein the sawmodule is a mobile saw module, wherein the mobile saw module includes acold saw, and wherein the railway rail, where used, is a metalworkpiece.

B29.1. The mobile saw module of paragraph B29, wherein the mobile sawmodule is configured to be operated by a single person.

B29.2. The mobile saw module of any of paragraphs B29-B29.1, wherein themobile saw module has a mass of less than 1500 kg, less than 1000 kg,less than 500 kg, less than 200 kg, or less than 100 kg.

B29.3. The mobile saw module of any of paragraphs B29-B29.2, wherein themobile saw module is configured to grab the metal workpiece on oppositesides of the cutting path.

B29.4. The mobile saw module of any of paragraphs B29-B29.3, wherein themetal workpiece is an elongated metal workpiece and optionally whereinthe metal workpiece is at least one of a beam, a rail, a rod, a plate, atube, a pipe, and conduit.

B30. The use of the saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B29.4 to cut therailway rail, optionally the railway rail as installed in a railway.

B31. The use of the saw module of any of paragraphs B1-B29.4 to cut outa section of the railway rail from a railway.

B32. The use of the mobile saw module of any of paragraphs B29-B29.4 tocut through the metal workpiece at a field site, optionally wherein themetal workpiece is installed at the field site.

C1. A tool module comprising:

a frame configured to longitudinally span a length of a railway rail;and

at least one rail alignment clamp configured to grip the railway rail,wherein the at least one rail alignment clamp is coupled to the frame;

a module coupling element configured to selectively couple to a matingmodule coupling element of at least one of an articulated arm and a tooladapter, wherein the module coupling element is coupled to the frame.

C2. The tool module of paragraph C1, further comprising a ballast plowmechanism configured to remove and/or to displace ballast from under therailway rail along a clearing path transverse to the railway rail,wherein the ballast plow mechanism is coupled to the frame, andoptionally wherein the tool module is a ballast plow module.

C2.1. The tool module of paragraph C2, wherein the ballast plowmechanism includes a ballast plow and/or a ballast plow actuator.

C2.1.1. The tool module of paragraph C2.1, wherein the ballast plow isconfigured to sweep and/or to swing under the railway rail transversely.

C2.1.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2.1-C2.1.1, wherein theballast plow mechanism is configured to drive the ballast plow in an arcunder the railway rail, transverse to the railway rail.

C2.1.3. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2.1-C2.1.2, wherein theballast plow has a width, perpendicular to the clearing path, that is atmost 300 mm, at most 200 mm, at most 100 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 40mm, and/or at least 60 mm.

C2.1.4. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2.1-C2.1.3, wherein theballast plow actuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

C2.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2-C2.1.4, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp includes a first rail alignment clamp onone side of the clearing path and a second rail alignment clamp on anopposite side of the clearing path.

C2.2.1. The tool module of paragraph C2.2, wherein each of the firstrail alignment clamp and the second rail alignment clamp are within 100mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the clearing path.

C2.3. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2-C2.2.1, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp includes at least two rail alignmentclamps configured to grip the railway rail at longitudinally spacedapart points along the railway rail.

C2.3.1. The tool module of paragraph C2.3, wherein the at least two railalignment clamps are configured to grip the railway rail on oppositesides of the clearing path.

C2.3.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2.3-C2.3.1, wherein atleast two of the rail alignment clamps are within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300mm, or 500 mm of the clearing path.

C2.4. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2-C2.3.2, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp is configured to align the clearing pathsubstantially perpendicular to the railway rail while the at least onerail alignment clamp grips the railway rail.

C2.5. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2-C2.4, wherein each railalignment clamp is longitudinally spaced apart from the clearing path.

C2.6. The tool module of any of paragraphs C2-C2.5, wherein at least onerail alignment clamp is configured to grip the railway rail within 100mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the clearing path.

C3. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C2.6, further comprising aplurality of bolt wrenches configured to operate rail bolts locatedwithin a longitudinal section of the railway rail, optionally whereineach of the plurality of bolt wrenches is configured to at least one oftighten, loosen, insert, and remove the respective rail bolt, andoptionally wherein the tool module is a rail bolting module.

C3.1. The tool module of paragraph C3, wherein each bolt wrench is anautomatic wrench.

C3.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.1, wherein each boltwrench is a torque-limited wrench.

C3.3. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.2, wherein each boltwrench includes a motor configured to drive a socket wrench head.

C3.4. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.3, wherein each boltwrench includes a socket wrench head.

C3.5. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.4, wherein theplurality of bolt wrenches are aligned in a row along the longitudinalsection of the railway rail, wherein the row is configured to alignlongitudinally with the railway rail.

C3.6. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.5, wherein the boltwrenches are configured to align with a series of rail bolts on therailway rail.

C3.7. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.6, further comprising apositioner for the plurality of bolt wrenches, where the positioner iscoupled between the frame and the plurality of bolt wrenches.

C3.7.1. The tool module of paragraph C3.7, wherein the positioner isconfigured to move the plurality of bolt wrenches, optionally eachindependently, between an active position and a clearance position, andoptionally wherein the active position is configured to align therespective bolt wrench over a rail bolt on the railway rail, andoptionally wherein the clearance position is configured to space therespective bolt wrench away from the railway rail and/or the respectiverail bolt.

C3.8. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.7.1, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp includes a first rail alignment clamp onone side of the longitudinal section and a second rail alignment clampon an opposite side of the longitudinal section.

C3.9. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.8, wherein each of thefirst rail alignment clamp and the second rail alignment clamp are eachindependently within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of thelongitudinal section.

C3.10. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.9, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp includes at least two rail alignmentclamps configured to grip the railway rail at longitudinally spacedapart points along the railway rail.

C3.10.1. The tool module of paragraph C3.10, wherein the at least tworail alignment clamps are configured to grip the railway rail onopposite sides of the longitudinal section.

C3.10.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3.10-C3.10.1, wherein atleast two of the rail alignment clamps are within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300mm, or 500 mm of the longitudinal section.

C3.11. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.10.2, wherein eachrail alignment clamp is longitudinally spaced apart from thelongitudinal section.

C3.12. The tool module of any of paragraphs C3-C3.11, wherein at leastone rail alignment clamp is configured to grip the railway rail within100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the longitudinal section.

C4. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C3.12, further comprising aplurality of drills configured to form holes in the railway rail withina longitudinal section of the railway rail, and optionally wherein thetool module is a rail drilling module.

C4.1. The tool module of paragraph C4, wherein each drill includes amotor configured to drive a drill bit.

C4.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.1, wherein each drillincludes a drill bit.

C4.3. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.2, wherein the drillsare aligned in a row along the longitudinal section of the railway rail,wherein the row is configured to align longitudinally with the railwayrail.

C4.4. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.3, wherein theplurality of drills is configured to form a series of spaced apart holesthrough a web of the railway rail.

C4.5. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.4, further comprising apositioner for the plurality of drills, where the positioner is coupledbetween the frame and the plurality of drills.

C4.5.1. The tool module of paragraph C4.5, wherein the positioner isconfigured to move the plurality of drills, optionally eachindependently, between an active position and a clearance position,optionally wherein the active position is configured to align a/thedrill bit in the respective drill substantially perpendicular to a webof the railway rail, and optionally wherein the clearance position isconfigured to space the respective drill away from the railway rail.

C4.5.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4.5-C4.5.1, wherein thepositioner is configured to linearly translate the plurality of drills,optionally each independently, toward and away from a web of the railwayrail to form a hole through the web.

C4.6. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.5.2, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp includes a first rail alignment clamp onone side of the longitudinal section and a second rail alignment clampon an opposite side of the longitudinal section.

C4.6.1. The tool module of paragraph C4.6, wherein each of the firstrail alignment clamp and the second rail alignment clamp are eachindependently within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of thelongitudinal section.

C4.7. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.6.1, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp includes at least two rail alignmentclamps configured to grip the railway rail at longitudinally spacedapart points along the railway rail.

C4.7.1. The tool module of paragraph C4.7, wherein the at least two railalignment clamps are configured to grip the railway rail on oppositesides of the longitudinal section.

C4.7.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4.7-C4.7.1, wherein atleast two of the rail alignment clamps are within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300mm, or 500 mm of the longitudinal section.

C4.8. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.7.2, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp is configured to align a/the drill bit ineach of the plurality of drills substantially perpendicular to therailway rail while the at least one rail alignment clamp grips therailway rail.

C4.9. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.8, wherein each railalignment clamp is longitudinally spaced apart from the longitudinalsection.

C4.10. The tool module of any of paragraphs C4-C4.9, wherein at leastone rail alignment clamp is configured to grip the railway rail within100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm of the longitudinal section.

C5. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C4.10, wherein the frameincludes one or more alignment rails.

C5.1. The tool module of paragraph C5, wherein the frame includes two ormore alignment rails and optionally wherein at least two alignment railsare substantially parallel and spaced apart.

C5.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C5-C5.1, wherein at leastone, optionally each, alignment rail is arranged longitudinally.

C5.3. The tool module of any of paragraphs C5-C5.2, wherein at leastone, optionally each, alignment rail is arranged substantiallyperpendicular to at least one of a/the cutting path and a/the clearingpath.

C5.4. The tool module of any of paragraphs C5-C5.3, wherein at leastone, optionally each, alignment rail is configured to align parallel tothe railway rail.

C6. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C5.4, wherein the modulecoupling element includes at least one of a module clamp and a modulecoupling structure.

C6.1. The tool module of paragraph C6, wherein the module clamp includesa module clamp actuator and optionally wherein the module clamp actuatorincludes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

C6.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C6-C6.1, wherein the moduleclamp includes at least two opposing module clamp jaws and optionallywherein at least one module clamp jaw is pivotably coupled to the frame.

C6.3. The tool module of any of paragraphs C6-C6.2, wherein the moduleclamp is configured to grip a mating module coupling structure.

C6.4. The tool module of any of paragraphs C6-C6.3, wherein the modulecoupling structure is configured to be gripped by a mating module clamp.

C6.5. The tool module of any of paragraphs C6-C6.4, wherein the moduleclamp and/or the module coupling structure includes a module lock thatis configured to lock the module clamp in at least one of an openposition and a closed position.

C7. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C6.5, wherein the toolmodule is configured to be supported by a railway and optionally isconfigured to roll on a railway.

C8. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C7, further comprising feetstructures configured to support the tool module.

C8.1. The tool module of paragraph C8, wherein the feet structures areconfigured to fit at least one of a railway and the railway rail.

C8.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C8-C8.1, wherein the feetstructures include, optionally are, wheels.

C9. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C8.2, wherein at least one,optionally each, rail alignment clamp is configured to grip the railwayrail across a web of the railway rail and/or under a head of the railwayrail.

C10. The tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C9, wherein each railalignment clamp includes a rail alignment clamp actuator and at leasttwo opposing rail alignment clamp jaws.

C10.1. The tool module of paragraph C10, wherein the rail alignmentclamp actuator includes, optionally is, a hydraulic cylinder.

C10.2. The tool module of any of paragraphs C10-C10.1, wherein at leastone, optionally each, rail alignment clamp jaw is pivotably coupled tothe frame, optionally to at least one alignment rail of the frame.

C11. The use of the tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C10.2, when alsodependent on paragraph C2 to remove and/or to displace ballast fromunder the railway rail along the clearing path.

C12. The use of the tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C10.2, when alsodependent on paragraph C3 to at least one of operate, tighten, loosen,insert, and remove rail bolts located within the longitudinal section ofthe railway rail.

C13. The use of the tool module of any of paragraphs C1-C10.2, when alsodependent on paragraph C4 to form holes in the railway rail within alongitudinal section of the railway rail.

D1. A method for cutting a railway rail, the method comprising:

positioning a cold saw module at a cutting site along a railway railinstalled in a railway, optionally wherein the cold saw module is thesaw module of any of paragraphs B1-B29.4 when also dependent onparagraph B2;

clamping the cold saw module to the railway rail; and

cutting the railway rail at the cutting site with the cold saw modulewhile the cold saw module is clamped to the railway rail.

D2. The method of paragraph D1, wherein the clamping includes clampingthe railway rail with one or more rail alignment clamps of the cold sawmodule, optionally the rail alignment clamps of any of paragraphsA1-A29.

D3. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D2, wherein the clamping includesaligning the cold saw module such that a cold saw of the cold saw moduleis substantially perpendicular to the railway rail.

D4. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D3, wherein the clamping includesclamping at a clamping site within 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 500 mm ofthe cutting site.

D5. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D4, wherein the clamping includesclamping the railway rail on opposite sides of the cutting site.

D6. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D5, wherein the clamping includesapplying up to 2 ton-force (20 kN), up to 5 ton-force (49 kN), up to 10ton-force (98 kN), up to 20 ton-force (200 kN), up to 40 ton-force (390kN), greater than 1 ton-force (9.8 kN), greater than 5 ton-force (49kN), and/or greater than 40 ton-force (390 kN) across the railway rail,optionally across a web of the railway rail.

D7. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D6, wherein the cutting includescutting transversely through the railway rail.

D8. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D7, wherein the cutting includescutting substantially perpendicular to the railway rail.

D9. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D8, wherein the cutting includescutting along a cutting path through the railway rail.

D10. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D9, wherein the cutting includescutting with a cold saw blade rotating at a speed of less than 500 RPM,less than 200 RPM, less than 100 RPM, less than 80 RPM, less than 50RPM, less than 30 RPM, greater than 10 RPM, greater than 20 RPM, greaterthan 30 RPM, greater than 50 RPM, and/or greater than 80 RPM.

D11. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D10, wherein the cuttingincludes cutting with a cold saw blade operating at a speed of at least30 SMPM, at least 50 SMPM, at least 80 SMPM, at least 100 SMPM, at least150 SMPM, at most 300 SMPM, at most 200 SMPM, at most 150 SMPM, at most100 SMPM, at most 80 SMPM, and/or at most 50 SMPM.

D12. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D11, wherein the cuttingincludes cutting with a cold saw blade with a diameter of at least 200mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, at least 700 mm, at most 1000 mm,at most 800 mm, at most 600 mm, and/or at most 400 mm.

D13. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D12, further comprisingconnecting the cold saw module to an articulated arm, optionally thearticulated arm of any of paragraphs A1-A29.

D13.1. The method of paragraph D13, wherein the positioning includespositioning the cold saw module with the articulated arm.

D13.2. The method of any of paragraphs D13-D13.1, wherein the connectingincludes connecting the articulated arm to a tool adapter, optionallythe tool adapter of any of paragraphs A1-A29, and connecting the tooladapter to the cold saw module.

D14. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D13.2, wherein the positioningincludes positioning the cold saw module with a translating actuator ofthe cold saw module, optionally the translating actuator of any ofparagraphs B1-B29.4.

D15. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D14, further comprising clearingballast from a clearance space under the railway rail at the cuttingsite, prior to the cutting.

D15.1. The method of paragraph D15, wherein the clearing ballastincludes clearing ballast with a ballast plow mechanism, optionally theballast plow mechanism of any of paragraphs B1-C10.2.

D15.2. The method of any of paragraphs D15-D15.1, wherein the clearingballast includes driving a ballast plow under the railway rail along aclearing path.

D15.3. The method of any of paragraphs D15-D15.2, wherein the clearancespace has a depth under the railway rail of at most 200 mm, at most 100mm, at most 50 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, and/or at least 40mm.

D15.4. The method of any of paragraphs D15-D15.3, wherein the clearancespace has a width of at most 300 mm, at most 200 mm, at most 100 mm, atleast 20 mm, at least 40 mm, and/or at least 60 mm.

D16. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D15.4, further comprisingtensioning the railway rail about the cutting site, prior to thecutting.

D16.1. The method of paragraph D16, wherein the tensioning includesapplying spreading force of at least 50 ton-force (490 kN), at least 70ton-force (690 kN), at least 90 ton-force (880 kN), at least 100ton-force (980 kN), at least 120 ton-force (1200 kN), at least 150ton-force (1500 kN), and/or at least 180 ton-force (1800 kN) across thecutting site.

D17. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D16.1, wherein the cutting siteis a first cutting site and wherein the method includes repeating themethod to cut the railway rail at a second cutting site.

D17.1. The method of paragraph D17, further comprising removing asection of railway rail between the first cutting site and the secondcutting site after cutting at the first cutting site and cutting at thesecond cutting site.

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifyingan action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or morecomponents or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specificaction, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct orindirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or morecomponents of, the apparatus.

As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that theelement, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intendedto perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and“configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element,component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing agiven function but that the element, component, and/or other subjectmatter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized,programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function.It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements,components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as beingadapted to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being configured to perform that function,and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as beingconfigured to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,”and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one ormore components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/ormethods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey thatthe described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/ormethod is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components,features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according tothe present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail,structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting,required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features,details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurallyand/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features,details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within thescope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the phrases “at least one of” and “one or more of,” inreference to a list of more than one entity, means any one or more ofthe entities in the list of entities, and is not limited to at least oneof each and every entity specifically listed within the list ofentities. For example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently, “at least one of A and/or B”)may refer to A alone, B alone, or the combination of A and B.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and asecond entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity,and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listedwith “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one ormore” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally bepresent other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or”clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specificallyidentified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/orB,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as“comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionallyincluding entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only(optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment,to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entitiesmay refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values,and the like.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intendedto include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other referencesare incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a mannerthat is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with,either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any ofthe other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of thepresent disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporateddisclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference inwhich the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was presentoriginally.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The systems and methods disclosed herein are applicable to the railtransport industry and the construction industry.

The various disclosed elements of systems and steps of methods disclosedherein are not required of all systems, apparatuses, and methodsaccording to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements and steps disclosed herein. Moreover, any of thevarious elements and steps, or any combination of the various elementsand/or steps, disclosed herein may define independent inventive subjectmatter that is separate and apart from the whole of a disclosed system,apparatus, or method. Accordingly, such inventive subject matter is notrequired to be associated with the specific systems, apparatuses, andmethods that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventive subjectmatter may find utility in systems, apparatuses, and/or methods that arenot expressly disclosed herein.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certaincombinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of thedisclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodiedin other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions,elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of thepresent claims or presentation of new claims in this or a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to adifferent invention or directed to the same invention, whetherdifferent, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims,are also regarded as included within the subject matter of theinventions of the present disclosure.

1. A rail saw module comprising: a frame configured to longitudinallyspan a length of a railway rail; a cold saw with a cutting pathconfigured to cut the railway rail transversely, wherein the cold saw iscoupled to the frame; at least one rail alignment clamp configured togrip the railway rail within 300 mm of the cutting path, wherein the atleast one rail alignment clamp is coupled to the frame; a feed actuatorconfigured to drive the cold saw along the cutting path, wherein thefeed actuator is coupled to the frame; and a module coupling elementconfigured to selectively couple to a mating module coupling element ofat least one of an articulated arm and a tool adapter, where the modulecoupling element is coupled to the frame.
 2. The rail saw module ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one rail alignment clamp is configured toalign the cutting path substantially perpendicular to the railway railwhile the at least one rail alignment clamp grips the railway rail. 3.The rail saw module of claim 1, wherein each rail alignment clamp isconfigured to grip the railway rail across a web of the railway rail. 4.The rail saw module of claim 1, wherein the at least one rail alignmentclamp includes a first rail alignment clamp on one side of the cuttingpath and a second rail alignment clamp on an opposite side of thecutting path, wherein each of the first rail alignment clamp and thesecond rail alignment clamp are within 300 mm of the cutting path. 5.The rail saw module of claim 1, wherein the cold saw includes a sawblade that has a diameter of at least 200 mm and at most 1000 mm.
 6. Therail saw module of claim 1, wherein the cold saw includes a blade motorthat is a hydraulic motor.
 7. The rail saw module of claim 1, whereinthe cold saw is configured to rotate a saw blade at a speed of at most300 surface meters per minute.
 8. The rail saw module of claim 1,further comprising a pair of spreading clamps with a first spreadingclamp of the pair configured to grip the railway rail on one side of thecutting path, and a second spreading clamp of the pair configured togrip the railway rail on an opposite side of the cutting path.
 9. Therail saw module of claim 8, wherein each rail alignment clamp isconfigured to grip the railway rail between the pair of spreadingclamps.
 10. The rail saw module of claim 8, wherein each spreading clampincludes a rail clamp configured to grip the railway rail across a webof the railway rail.
 11. The rail saw module of claim 8, wherein eachspreading clamp includes a translating actuator configured to translatethe spreading clamp along at least one alignment rail of the frame. 12.The rail saw module of claim 1, further comprising a ballast plowmechanism configured to displace ballast from under the railway railalong the cutting path.
 13. The rail saw module of claim 12, wherein theballast plow mechanism includes a ballast plow and a ballast plowactuator, wherein the ballast plow mechanism is configured to drive theballast plow in an arc under the railway rail, transverse to the railwayrail.
 14. The rail saw module of claim 12, wherein the ballast plow isconfigured to collect swarf from the railway rail as the railway rail iscut by the cold saw.
 15. A mobile saw module comprising: a cold saw witha cutting path configured to cut a metal workpiece transversely; atleast one alignment clamp configured to grip the metal workpiece within200 mm of the cutting path; a feed actuator configured to drive the coldsaw along the cutting path; a module coupling element configured toselectively couple to a mating module coupling element of at least oneof an articulated arm and a tool adapter; and a frame coupled to thecold saw, the at least one alignment clamp, the feed actuator, and themodule coupling element; wherein the mobile saw module has a mass ofless than 200 kg.
 16. The mobile saw module of claim 15, wherein themobile saw module is configured to grab the metal workpiece on oppositesides of the cutting path.
 17. The mobile saw module of claim 15,wherein the cold saw is configured to rotate a saw blade at a speed ofless than 200 revolutions per minute.
 18. A method for cutting a railwayrail, the method comprising: positioning a cold saw module at a cuttingsite along a railway rail installed in a railway; clamping the cold sawmodule to the railway rail; and cutting the railway rail at the cuttingsite with the cold saw module while the cold saw module is clamped tothe railway rail.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the clampingincludes clamping the railway rail on opposite sides of the cuttingsite.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the cutting includes cuttingwith a cold saw blade rotating at a speed of less than 200 revolutionsper minute.